MaryAnn is a thought leader in Digital Journal’s Insight Forum (become a member).
“Mirror, mirror on the wall, who is the boldest of them all?”
As I stand before my reflection, I don’t just see a woman; I see a legacy in motion. I see the unwavering faith of my mother, the strength of my ancestors, and the purpose that fuels my journey. I see a leader, a visionary, a builder and lifelong learner.
Today, I am a certified talent development professional, a certified change practitioner, a multi-award-winning entrepreneur, and a champion for empowerment and inclusion. My work is not just about business, it’s about people. It’s about helping others step into their confidence, embrace their uniqueness, and thrive in spaces where they once felt unseen.
There’s something about looking in the mirror that has always fascinated me. I’ve often used mirrors to gauge physical growth, a way to track time, change, and transformation. A few months ago, in St. John’s, Newfoundland, I took a photo of myself in a mirror, and the reflection staring back at me held a deeper meaning.
I realized how far I had come, literally and figuratively. From Calgary to Newfoundland, I had traveled miles in distance and in life’s journey. At that moment, I saw more than just my reflection, I saw resilience, faith, purpose, and the weight of every step I had taken. I saw the leader I have become, the woman of impact I am still growing into, and the legacy I am building.
We often look in the mirror to check appearances, but the real purpose of reflection goes beyond what the eyes can see. Reflection is about honoring the journey, acknowledging the growth, and drawing inspiration from where we’ve been and where we’re going.
As we step into Black History Month, we can recognize the strength we’ve gathered, the lessons we’ve learned, and the road ahead that we are still meant to walk.
The legacy that shaped me
My journey has been shaped by faith, resilience, and an unshakable belief in purpose. I was raised by a mother who embodied strength, creativity, and unwavering determination. A woman who led not with words alone, but through the power of her actions and the depth of her wisdom.
She was more than just a teacher, an entrepreneur, and a fashion designer. She was a pillar of leadership, a beacon of grace, and the very definition of legacy in motion. She taught me that our gifts are not meant to be hidden, they are meant to be shared. That excellence is not a destination but a standard, and that boldness is not an option, it is a responsibility.
She nurtured me not just in skill but in faith, integrity, and the courage to walk my own path. She challenged me to think beyond limitations, to dream without fear, and to carry myself with purpose because she knew that I was not just building a future for myself, but paving the way for those who would come after me.
She is my Black legacy. Her leadership shaped me, molded me, and empowered me to become the woman I am today. Because of her, I know that leadership is not just about standing in the spotlight, it is about lifting others as we rise. It is about using our voices, our talents, and our influence to create a world where every generation has more opportunities, more representation, and more freedom to dream boldly.
Lessons in leadership: Influence, advocacy, and growth
Over the years, I’ve learned that leadership is not about a title, it is about impact. True leadership is influence, it is how we inspire, how we empower, and how we advocate for those who may not yet have the platform to speak for themselves.
Leadership begins with a deep-rooted sense of who you are and why you are here. I was raised by a woman whose faith shaped her actions, whose resilience forged her path, and whose creativity gave her influence. She taught me that boldness is a responsibility, not a choice. That faith in God and purpose-driven leadership go hand in hand.
Leadership is all about service. It is about standing firm in our values, using our voice to champion change, and ensuring that the doors we walk through are left open for others. It is about seeing the potential in people, even before they see it in themselves and reminding them that they are capable, worthy, and enough.
Leadership is not about power; it is about lifting others. It is about recognizing that your voice, platform, and presence can create opportunities for others. Influence is not measured by how many follow you, but by how many rise because of you.
Leadership is all about growth. And growth happens when we are open to learning, not just from those who lead us, but from those we lead. I have been shaped by my parents, my siblings, my spouse, my mentors, my mentees, my peers and even my daughters. Leadership is not about knowing everything but being humble enough to learn from everyone.
The greatest test of leadership is not what you achieve, but what you leave behind. Am I raising leaders? Am I paving a path for the next generation to thrive, dream bigger, and achieve more than I did? Leadership is not about holding doors open for yourself — it is about keeping them open for others.
I am a product of wisdom passed down from my mother and father, from the mentors who pour into me, and the mentees who challenge me to think differently. I have learned resilience from the battles I have fought, wisdom from the mistakes I have made, and strength from the people who have believed in me even when I doubted myself.
And perhaps the greatest lesson of all? I am still learning. Every single day.
I learn from my peers. I learn from my faith. I learn from my daughters, the future leaders I am raising. Their curiosity reminds me to ask better questions. Their boldness reminds me to take up space. Their compassion reminds me that leadership is also about grace.
Honouring the past, embracing the future
As we celebrate Black History Month, I remember her. I honour her. Always and forever. And I commit to carrying forward the legacy she left in me; one of faith, strength, and unwavering boldness.
Because Black legacy is not just about history, it’s about who we are, what we build, and how we empower the next generation to go even further.
So as I stand before the mirror today, I ask not just who I am, but who I am becoming. I am:
- A leader who honors the past.
- A visionary who embraces the present.
- A builder who paves the way for the future.
- A student of life, always learning, always growing.
Championing legacy: Leading with faith, influence, and intentional action
Leadership is not just about personal growth — it is about championing the values that shape us and using them to empower others. To truly lead with legacy, we must be deliberate in how we show up, serve, and advocate for what we believe in.
Here’s how I champion the values of faith, resilience, and empowerment as a leader — and how you can, too:
- Lead with conviction: Be clear about who you are and what you stand for. Leadership requires faith, courage, and the ability to make decisions that reflect your values — even when they are unpopular. Standing firm creates a ripple effect for those watching and learning from you.
- Amplify others: True leadership is not about being the loudest voice in the room, it is about lifting others, passing the mic, and creating opportunities for those who need them most. Invest in mentorship, share knowledge, and help others rise alongside you.
- Cultivate a legacy mindset: Every action we take is either building a bridge or burning one. Championing legacy means asking, “How does what I do today make life better for the next generation?” Whether in family, business, or community, be intentional about the impact you leave behind.
- Practice reflective leadership: A leader who does not reflect does not grow. Seek wisdom from those who have walked before you, listen to those around you, and learn from those who follow you. I continue to grow because I remain a student of my parents, mentors, mentees, peers, and even my children. Leadership is a lifelong lesson, and humility is its greatest teacher.
- Walk in faith, not fear: Championing a legacy is not easy. It requires faith, resilience, and the belief that what you are building is bigger than you. There will be obstacles, but a leader rooted in faith understands that every challenge is an opportunity to grow. Trust in the process, stand in your purpose, and boldly step forward.
To everyone reading this, I have a few questions for you.
What do you see when you look in the mirror?
What values will you champion as a leader?
